It's been too long!

It's been awhile since I've updated my blog.  I thought about just letting it go, but I love the record that it creates, even if I don't update it all the time.

(O's last day at the office.  Most of her stuff was already packed up and gone)

We have had some BIG changes in our home!  Back in February after a lot of thought and prayer I decided to quit my job.  While I loved the people I worked with there were some changes being made at the company and I didn't trust the owners any longer.  It had been stressful there for awhile with broken promises and other things and plus Olivia was getting a little restless.  So February 21st was my last day.

(Cleaning Papa's house!)

I was beyond scared about losing my income, but things have worked out really well since I quit.  We definitely don't have as much disposable income, but Jeff has really supported me being at home with Olivia which means the world to me.  He is such a great provider and going to school as well as working full time, I couldn't be more proud of him.  I also work a few hours a week for Rusty and at a gym day care 3 days a week.  Both jobs I get to bring O with me.  It's amazing what getting rid of the stress in my life has done for our family.  Not to mention the time I now have to devote to my home and family.  I feel like I have my life back.  Everybody is happier!  One of the first days at home Liv just looked at me and said "happy."  I feel this is the way it is meant to be.

(I feel like most days I spend cleaning up one mess after the other, and I LOVE it!!!)

We've been having a lot fun going to story hour, the zoo playing at the park, cooking and other fun things.  It's also so much fun to stay at home in our pj's all day if we want to!
  I know Olivia is going to be grown up before I know it.  I'm so glad I get to be the one with her to see her grow and teach her new things.  It goes by SO fast and I wouldn't miss a minute of it.  Even the difficult times.

 (Now we have more time for things like this!!!!  It's so fun being out during the day with Olivia.  Sometimes I'm at an activity with O and I can't believe this is our life now!)

No more bottles

It's a BIG day in the Hale household!  Liv is no longer drinking a bottle.  About a month ago we cut out her morning bottle.  And tonight, we didn't give her her nighttime bottle.  Her Dr. wanted her to be completely done by 18 months.  Her 18 month check-up is in about 3 weeks, so we thought now was as good as time as any.  She doesn't really ask for it, and is drinking water out of her sippy really well, so we decided to bite the bullet.

We cut up the nipples so we wouldn't be tempted to go back.  It's a good/sad time.  Where is my baby going?  She's getting SO big.  I'm happy she's growing and progressing, but I didn't think time was going to fly by at light speed.  

I'll just have to buy her a new outfit to make myself feel better:)

Merry Christmas!

We had a great Christmas this year.  Every year that Olivia gets older it becomes more magical.  Although her reaction when she woke up this year wasn't quite what I expected……..I think me waking her up (because I COULD NOT WAIT) and being in the room recording her threw her off.  She warmed up pretty quick.  I love this time of year when we reflect on our Savior and celebrate his birth.  And it's SO magical with kids.  I'm treasuring these memories

I love the look O has on her face looking up at Jeff.  She just adores him.  This captures how she looks at him all the time.  It's the sweetest.